Ruth - Bible Notes

1. Text summary
2. How is Christ in the text?
3. Application

Chapter 1

1. An Israelite family with two sons goes to Moab because of a famine in Israel.  While there, the two sons marry Moabites, but they and their father soon die, leaving Naomi with two Moabite daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah.  Naomi heads back to Israel.  Orpah stays in Moab, but Ruth goes with her, claiming loyalty to the God of Israel.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem (literally "house of bread"), and fed multitudes twice.  Once in Israel, and once outside Israel, to show he is the bread of the world.
People often leave God's people to look for a better life, but find only death and bitterness.  Moabite Ruth is willing to go to Israel, seeing something better in their God that what she grew up with.  But Naomi is blinded by bitterness at the death of her husband and sons.

Chapter 2
1. Ruth goes out to glean wheat after the harvesters, and finds herself in the field of a rich and generous extended relative.  He's heard of her loyalty to Naomi and Yahweh, and treats her well for it.

2. Boaz is like Jesus. We find ourselves in His path, by His providence, not by our wit or effort.  When we take refuge in Him, He will reward it.

3. Everyone seems to know that it isn't as safe for Ruth away from Boaz and his people.  In Israel, in Bethlehem, in the time of the Judges, a foreign, vulnerable young woman could (and would!) easily be taken advantage of.  Be wise.

Chapter 3
1. Naomi proposes a bold act of initiative, for Ruth to dress up and put herself before Boaz.  Ruth agrees, and asks Boaz for marriage!  He is humble and gracious, seeing this as a compliment to him, when it is more desperation on her part.  He will resolve this, but there another man who has first right to redeem Naomi's land.

2. Coming to Jesus, as Ruth does to Boaz, is a great act of humility and self-deprecation, if done rightly.  We know there is no one else who can help like He can.  We are vulnerable to Him.  There is no one else so kind, generous and strong.  All things we usually are not.

3. The exception proves the rule, in this case.  Ruth's unique situation leads her to initiate when it's usually the man's role.  And she crosses some bounds of propriety that are usually a good idea, to avoid unnecessary temptation.

Chapter 4
1. Boaz offers the closest redeemer the land Naomi is selling, first.  (This isn't just a love story, but about keeping her land in the family, and continuing descendants for her.)   He is eager until he knows Ruth would marry him, provide an heir for Naomi, who would then have the land.  This is too costly for him, and/or too shameful an enterprise to marry a Moabite.  Boaz claims the right, and marries Ruth, bears Obed, who is David's grandfather!

2. Jesus is not ashamed to identify with us as an "impure" people.  He welcomes Gentiles into His church, as He did into His ancestral line.  The least likely often enter His kingdom before the well-credentialed.

3. Boaz exposes the abilities and probably the motives of the nearer-redeemer, publicly.  Then claims the prize for himself.  This is a shrewd tactic that can be useful today in public discourse with those stubbornly opposed to God's ways.  A more common application: act in a way that comports with God's law, out in public view, sometimes with legal reinforcement.